Phillies release Bobby Abreu

Thursday

Mar 27, 2014 at 12:01 AMMar 27, 2014 at 11:34 AM

In the end, Bobby Abreu's ability to still work pitch counts and draw walks wasn't enough to make the Phillies interested in a reunion.

After informing their former star right fielder on Wednesday that he would not be making the opening day roster, the team granted Abreu his unconditional release this morning, giving him the opportunity to find another major league job before the season begins next week.

Abreu, who turned 40 on March 11, signed with the Phillies in January after sitting out the entire 2013 season. He had a decent enough spring at the plate to warrant serious consideration for a left-handed bat off the bench role, going 10-for-41 with three doubles and one triple, while drawing 10 walks. His shaky defense in right gave the Phillies pause, especially with more accomplished outfielders like Tony Gwynn Jr. and John Mayberry Jr. also vying for bench roles.

With Abreu now out of the picture, both of those more versatile players seem like locks to make the opening day roster, barring a last-minute acquisition as teams try to finalize their 25-man rosters prior to Sunday's 3 p.m. deadline. Mayberry and Gwynn are both in the starting lineup today, hitting eight and ninth respectively as the Phillies wrap up the Grapefruit League portion of their exhibition schedule against the Blue Jays.

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